Fluid spray device



June 22, 1965 w. R. DE GROOT FLUID SPRAY DEVICE Filed Nov. 20, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WALTER R. QE GROUT AGENT June 22, 1965 w. R. DE GROOT 3,190,563

FLUID SPRAY DEVICE Filed Nov. 20, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR WALTER R. DE GROOT AGENT United States Patent 3,190,563 FLUID SPRAY DEVHQE Waiter R. De Groot, Arlington County, Va., assignor to Atlantic Research Corporation, Fairfax, Va, a corporation of Virginia Filed Nov. 2d, 1963, Ser. No. 324,931 14 @Clairns. (Cl. 239-443) This invention relates broadly to fire-fighting equipment and, more particularly, to nozzles and nozzle inserts employed with fire hoses.

The general type of nozzle with which this invention is concerned provides two kinds of water flow. One is the main high pressure stream which is directed toward the fire in the form of a round or flattened stream, or a fog. The other is a lateral or radial fan-type stream which is directed at an angle to the main stream to form a protective heat barrier for the fireman.

it is known that the finer the particles or" a water spray, the more readily and quickly they absorb heat, and hence the better the heat barrier. Prior nozzle devices used to produce radial water flow as a heat barrier have not proved entirely successful. One type of nozzle produces a single continuous radial water flow around the entire circumference of the nozzle. Serious difficulties have been experienced with the inadequacy of this type since only a single water curtain is formed and very often the particles of the spray are excessively large. Another type of nozzle produces a plurality of water streams which impinge upon one another to form a fine particle mist. However, the impingement of the streams reduces the radius of protection of the water curtain and produces larger droplets along the area of impingement, reducing the effectiveness of the water curtain as a heat absorber.

Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide a novel nozzle or nozzle insert which effects an improved radial water curtain.

A further object is to provide a new and improved valve for controlling the radial flow of water from a nozzle or nozzle insert.

Other objects, advantages, and features of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

in the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the device of this invention inserted between a hose and a nozzle.

FlGURE 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the device in an open position.

FIGURE 3 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional View showing the device in a closed position.

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG- URE 1.

In accordance with my invention, I have developed a nozzle device for attachment to a hose which eflects a unique radial water stream which serves as a heat barrier during fire-fighting operations. This radial stream comprises a plurality of individual, non-impinging, fanshaped water sprays of a very fine mist. The individual sprays are caused to overlap so that at least two of them are serially positioned at all times between the fireman operating the hose and the fire. The fineness of the particles of each individual curtain and the presence of a "ice plurality of non-impinging curtains, along with a positive and readily operable radial fiow control valve results in a heat barrier of maximum protection and utility.

In general, my nozzle device comprises a tubular memher having a plurality of spaced, circumferentially aligned slots, preferably of a semi-circular configuration, an internal rotatable sleeve or valve having a plurality of spaced circumferentially aligned apertures and an external collar secured to the sleeve by fasteners extending through the tubular member. The slots are so disposed that planes passing radially through the slots do not intersect radially outwardly of the tubular member.

Adverting now in detail to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like parts, an illustrative embodiment of my nozzle device is indicated generally at A. It includes a tubular member it constructed of any suitable material such as metal or plastic, metal being preferred, having an internal screw thread 11 at the forward end and an internal screw thread 12 and swivel gasket 13 at the rear, to which a hose 14 is attached in the usual manner. Located, in sequence, rearwardly from the forward internally threaded section are a plurality of spaced, circumferentially aligned threaded apertures or ports 15, a plurality of spaced, circumferentially aligned helical grooves 16 and a circular internal stop flange 17. O-ring grooves 18 and 19 containing O-rings 20 and 21 are located on either side of the helical grooves to form watertight seals. As part of the tubular member, a hollow cap 22 having a semi-circular slot 23 and circular flange 24 is retained in each of the apertures 15 by an externally threaded locking ring 25 which clamps the circular flange to the tubular member. The caps 22 are positioned such that the planes extending radially outwardly from each of the slots 23 do not intersect nor are they coincident with any other plane extending radially outwardly from the other slots. The orientation of the slots can be adjusted by merely loosening the locking ring and rotating the cap. If desired, the slots 23 can be cut directly in the tubular member.

An internal sleeve or valve 3d fabricated from a metal such as brass, stainless steel, etc., or preferably, from a slightly resilient material such as plastic, for example, Teflon, a polytetrafluoroethylene resin; nylon; polyethylene; Kel-F, a polytrifluorochloroethylene resin; etc., is snugly fitted into the tubular member 10. The interior surface of the forward end of the sleeve is outwardly inclined at 31. The rearward end 32. abuts the stop flange 17 when the sleeve is in its rearwardmost position as particularly shown in FIGURE 2. In this position a plurality of apertures 33, which extend from the inclined surface 31 through the sleeve, are radially aligned with the apertures 15 in the tubular member.

A nozzle coupling dtl, externally threaded at 41 and 42, is positioned in the forward end of the tubular member it The exterior surface rearward of the threaded portions is inclined inwardly at 43 to form an abutment for the outwardly inclined surface 31 when the sleeve 3% is in its forwardrnost position as particularly shown in FIG- URE 3. In this position the apertures 33 are completely out of radial alignment with their corresponding apertures 15 in the tubular member. A nozzle 44 is attached to threaded portion 41 in the usual manner. Although as a practical matter for ease of assembly the nozzle coupling is preferably threaded into the tubular member, it can also be fabricated as an integral part of the tubular member.

A collar 56, surrounding the tubular member 19 rearwardly of the caps 22, is secured to the sleeve 30 by a plurality of fasteners 51, e.g., screws, pins, etc., threaded through openings 52, riding in helical grooves 16 and fixedly received within a plurality of bores 53 in the sleeve.

Highly advantageous features of my device are found in its ease of operation and in the positive cut-off mechanism afforded by the flow control sleeve 39. During operation of the fire hose in which the nozzle device is inserted, it is often necessary for the fireman to turn the radial water flow on or oft depending upon the particular conditions to which he is subjected. This can be accomplished quickly and easily by merely turning the external collar 58 either counterclockwise or clockwise, respectively.

The radial water curtain is turned on by counterclockwise rotation of the collar 59 which is guided along a helical path rearwardly by the fasteners 51 riding in helical grooves 16 in the tubular member 19. Since the fasteners are also secured in a fixed relationship to the internal sleeve 30, the latter is also restricted to a corresponding rearward helical movement. The sleeve is limited in rearward movement when it abuts the stop flange 3.7 on the tubular member. In this position the apertures 33 are radially aligned with their corresponding apertures in the tubular member. A portion of the main stream of water can then flow radially through each of the apertures and out of the slots 23 to form a plurality of individual fan-shaped, non-impinging water sprays of a very fine mist. In order to obtain maximum protection for the firemen the slots 23 are of sufiicient length and of proper shape to cause the individual sprays emitted therefrom to overlap the sprays from adjacent slots. Such an arrangement results in at least two sprays being serially aligned between the firemen and the fire.

When it is desired to shut off the radial flow, it is merely necessary to rotate the collar 50 clockwise. Again the fasteners guide both the collar and the internal sleeve forwardly in a helical path which places the apertures 33 out of radial alignment with their corresponding apertures 15 in the tubular member.

A particularly effective sealing means is effected if the sleeve is composed of a slightly resilient material such as plastic. The obtuse angle formed by the inclined surface 31 and the inner surface of the sleeve plus the acute angle formed by the inclined surface 43 and the inner surface of the coupling member are predetermined to equal slightly less than 180. Since the sleeve is constructed of a slightly resilient material, as the inclined surface 31 contacts the other inclined surface 43, the former is compressed slightly, particularly in the portion lying nearest the juncture with the internal surface of the sleeve. This gives a particularly tight seal and prevents any water from the main stream leaking through the apertures 33. In addition, since the main stream of water continually exerts an outward, radial force on the inner surface of the sleeve, the sleeve is forced into a sealing engagement with the tubular member if), effecting a second positive, tight sealing means. The interrelationship of the position of the apertures 33 with respect to the sealing surface 31, along with the radial expansion of the sleeve, effects .a positive sealing mechanism which heretofore has not been readily achieved. When the radial water curtain is again turned on, the outwardly inclined inner surface of the sleeve returns to its original shape.

Although my nozzle device has been illustrated as being inserted between a hose and a nozzle, it is obvious that such a device can be constructed as an integral part of a hose nozzle. Furthermore it should be noted that the tubular member apertures 15 and the sleeve apertures 33 need not be circumferentially aligned but could be located along a helix, the critical consideration being that the tubular member apertures 15 and sleeve apertures 33 be capable of radial alignment and the sprays emitted thered from be non impinging. The above mentioned modifica tions have not been shown in the drawings.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various other modifications can be carried out from the above disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention embodied within the claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

ll. A fluid spray device comprising:

(a) a tubular member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots therethrough, said slots being oriented such that planes extending radially outwardly from each of said slots are non-intersecting,

(b) an inner sleeve mounted concentrically within said tubular member, said sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures therethrough, and

(0) means drivingly connected to said sleeve for effecting movement of said sleeve relative to said tubular member, said movement of said sleeve in one direction causing said apertures to be radially aligned with their respective slots such that fluid flowing through said spray device effects a radial fluid curtain comprising a plurality of non-impinging fluid sprays, said movement of said sleeve in the opposite direction causing said apertures to be out of radial alignment with their respective slots preventing radial fluid flow therethrough.

2. The fluid spray device of claim 1 wherein said slots are circumferentially aligned and said apertures are similarly circumferentially aligned.

3. The fluid spray device of claim 1 wherein said tubular member has a plurality of circumferentially spaced ports and including a plurality of caps received within said ports, said slots being provided in said caps.

4. The device of claim 1 including a nozzle formed integrally with said tubular member.

5. The device of claim 1 in which the inner sleeve is slightly resilient.

6. The device of claim 1 in which the inner sleeve has an outwardly-inclined inner surface at its forward end and said tubular member has at its rearward end a corresponding inwardly-inclined surface against which said outwardly-inclined surface bears when said sleeve is in its forwardmost position.

7. The device of claim 6 in which the apertures in the inner sleeve extend radially outwardly through said outwardly-inclined inner surface.

8. A fluid spray device comprising:

(a) a tubular member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots therethrough, said slots being oriented such that planes extending radially outwardly from each of said slots are non-intersecting,

(b) an inner sleeve mounted concentrically within said tubular member to permit relative axial movement therebetween, said sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures therethrough,

(c) a coupling member mounted within the forward end of said tubular member, said coupling member being adapted to receive a nozzle, and

(d) means external to said tubular member drivingly connected to said sleeve for effecting movement of said sleeve relative to said tubular member, said movement of said sleeve in one direction causing said apertures to be radially aligned with their respective slots such that fluid flowing through said spray device effects a radial fluid curtain comprising a plurality of non-impinging fluid sprays, said movement of said sleeve in the opposite direction causing said apertures to be out of radial alignment with their respective slots preventing radial fluid flow therethrough.

9. The device of claim 8 in which said inner sleeve has an outwardly-inclined inner surface at its forward end and said coupling member has a corresponding inwardlymclined surface at its rearward end against which said outwardly-inclined surface bears when said sleeve is in its forwardmost position.

10. The device of claim 9 in which said apertures in said inner sleeve extend radially outwardly through said outwardly-inclined inner surface.

11. The device of claim 10 in which said inner sleeve is slightly resilient.

12. The device of claim 11 in which the sum of the angles formed by said outwardly-inclined surface and formed by said inwardly-inclined surface equals less than 180, the inclined surface of the inner sleeve being deformed slightly as it contacts the corresponding inclined surface in the tubular member to provide an effective fluid seal.

13. The device of claim 12 in which the external means for controlling the movement of said inner sleeve comprises a collar.

14. The device of claim 13 in which said collar is drivingly connected to said inner sleeve by a plurality of fastener means; each of said fastener means extending through a helical groove provided in said tubular member, said collar and said sleeve being guided along a helical path upon actuation of said collar.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS EVERETT W. KIRBY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A FLUID SPRAY DEVICE COMPRISING: (A) A TUBULAR MEMBER HAVING A PLURALITY OF CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED SLOTS THERETHROUGH, SAID SLOTS BEING ORIENTED SUCH THAT PLANES EXTENDING RADIALLY OUTWARDLY FROM EACH OF SAID SLOTS ARE NON-INTERSECTING, (B) AN INNER SLEEVE MOUNTED CONCENTRICALLY WITHIN SAID TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID SLEEVE HAVING A PLURALITY OF CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED APERTURES THERETHROUGH, AND (C) MEANS DRIVINGLY CONNECTED TO SAID SLEEVE FOR EFFECTING MOVEMENT OF SAID SLEEVE RELATIVE TO SAID TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID MOVEMENT OF SAID SLEEVE IN ONE DIRECTION CAUSING SAID APERTURES TO BE RADIALLY ALIGNED WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE SLOTS SUCH THAT FLUID FLOWING THROUGH SAID SPRAY DEVICE EFFECTS A RADIAL FLUID CURTAIN COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF NON-IMPINGING FLUID SPRAYS, SAID MOVEMENT OF SAID SLEEVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION CAUSING SAID APERTURES TO BE OUT OF RADIAL DIRECTION WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE SLOTS PREVENTING RADIAL FLUID FLOW THERETHROUGH. 